1. This database does not show live accessibility of a station — i.e. whether the lifts are working as planned. Don’t use it for journey planning
2. Information may be out of date or just plain wrong!
2. Information may be out of date or just plain wrong!
This database is something I maintain in my really limited spare time with help from any other contributors. I try to make it accurate but with so many stations there may be errors.
Sources used on pages
Some of the station info is read from Wikipedia or guessed from Google Maps. I try to list sources at the bottom of pages, and write when I’m unsure or guessing.
Map apps
Most good maps apps, like Google Maps and CityMapper, have a step-free option in settings.
This is only as reliable as the data they get fed from rail authorities. With thousands of stations, some with complicated access restrictions, there could be possible inaccuracies.
If accessibility is important to you, it’s worth checking with National Rail
I’ve noticed that Google Maps’ access information isn’t always correct or clear – for example, on the live departures board, it would display a wheelchair icon if the train was accessible even if the station wasn’t. It would also say “wheelchair accessible entrance” if the ticket office was accessible and none of the platforms were. I’ve sent feedback to Google but I have no idea if anything will happen.
Websites to check if a station is currently accessible
National Rail Enquiries
National Rail Enquiries have a central database about lift status.
A lot of Network Rail lifts have automatic monitoring systems, so if the lift breaks, the feed is updated very quickly. Others require manual input
Here’s an incomplete list of metros and light rail by city, and where to check accessibility
Cardiff
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Glasgow’s subway is notoriously inaccessible, with only 2 step-free stations if I remember right
Liverpool City Region/Merseyrail/TfLCR
London/TfL
TfL’s official page
TfL Go app
UpDownLondon
TfL list of current station and accessibility disruptions – I find this page hard to use as accessibility disruptions are mingled with a large number of stations which just have messages advertising that mini-ramps are available.
My experience…
National Rail stations within TfL’s area may not be listed on TfL sources promptly. I’ve observed that access info seems to be updated manually from National Rail to TfL, and once, I was at a National Rail station that is also a prominent tube station which didn’t get marked as not step-free when there was an access problem. It seemed that the station staff did not notice that the tube platforms also had restricted SFA and the alternative route was not signposted.
Manchester/TfGM
Sheffield
Let me know if you have any more sites to add!
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